Nearly 500 jobs at a city region call centre could be at risk as a company looks to move the roles overseas.
In February, Sainsbury’s announced plans to cut around 1,500 jobs, including those based at its Widnes call centre in Ditton. This led to a number of employees at the call centre having their employment transferred to California-based technology and services company Concentrix.
This contract transfer saw them continue to operate Sainsbury’s call centre services as outsourced workers based in Widnes. It is understood the Ditton call centre also operates services for Argos.
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However, jobs at Concentrix could now be at risk, pending a review by the company. According to an email sent to a staff member, Concentrix intends to move the jobs to the Philippines.
The USDAW union said that of 600 jobs at the Ditton site, 450 jobs could now be put at risk by these proposals.
A screenshot of an email sent to an affected worker, seen by the ECHO, says: “We propose to move the roles outlined in the communication from the UK to the Concentrix location in the Philippines. Unfortunately, your post is one of those affected and as such, if we are unable to place you into a suitable alternative role then your role may be at risk of redundancy.”
The USDAW union said that of 600 jobs at the Ditton site, 450 jobs could now be put at risk by these proposals.
Mark Malone, area organiser for the Usdaw union, said: “Our members are shocked and devastated by the proposal to offshore significant amounts of the work done on behalf of Sainsbury’s and Argos from the Widnes call centre.
“Usdaw will now enter into consultation talks with management, starting this Friday (today), where we will interrogate and challenge the business case for the company’s proposals.
“Our priorities are to retain as many jobs as possible at the site and secure the best deal available. In the meantime, we are providing our members with the support, advice and representation they need at this difficult time.”
A Concentrix spokesperson told the ECHO: “Earlier this year, a TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) transfer to Concentrix was announced. During this process, we were clear with the colleagues involved that a full business review would be undertaken to make sure we deliver the best possible services in the future.
“We have now completed that review and are consulting with colleagues on what that means for them. Our priority is to keep talent within our business and we will continue to be as open as possible as we work through this process.”
When pressed on the number of jobs affected, the spokesperson added: “As we are going through consultation and our aim is to retain as many of our talented people as possible, we cannot pre-empt or break down the numbers of those impacted.”
The ECHO understands that the consultation is solely involving employees based in Widnes.
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